Tehran Times - Saipa goalkeeper Mohammadreza Akhbari is dreaming to wear Iran’s No. 1 jersey in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Akhbari, who was a member of IranU-23 football team from 2014 to 2016, played his first match for the senior team on 8 June 2016 in a friendly with Kyrgyzstan, coming as a substitute of first choice Alireza Haghighi in the second half.

Akhbari has an uphill task ahead since Team Melli have yet to concede a goal in eight matches with Alireza Beiranvand in the goal.

Iran became the second team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup by beating Uzbekistan 2-0

“Being a member of Iran national team is a great honor and I am proud of that. I am so happy I’ve been invited to Team Melli for the last two years. I want to do my best to increase my chance of being invited to the national team once again,” the 24-year-old goalie told Iran’s Varzesh 3.

“It’s every player's dream to play at a World Cup and I will do my best to wear No.1 jersey in the 2018 World Cup. I hope my dream will come true,” Akhbari added.